This is one of my favorite titles in the Monroe catalog of films. I watch it every time its on TV, no matter where I come in on it. There certainly is something fascinating about it. Sure the script at times is somewhat laughable, but there are other diversions... Monroe in particular. The woman was in her prime. Her figure in 1954 was out of this world, but her acting in this film some of the time was not. Monroe herself stated this film was "Grade Z cowboy stuff"
The film is about 2 different attitudes about life - one hard and unflinching (Mitchum) the other impulsive and lost (Monroe) there is also a young boy caught in the middle that they both love. Toss in murder, double crossings, and angry Indians. What proceeds is actually a thoughtful film with the river being symbolic of both lead characters.
Truth be told Monroe is extremely watchable in "River of No Return" With sultry half closed eyes, She holds her head high,looks down her nose, purses her lips and over enunciates every syllable her character utters. It is a sight to behold. Hence the phrase by Fox CEO Daryl Zanuk,(who called her "old straw head")"Marilyn Monroe has Flesh Impact." Flesh Impact indeed. Her German drama coach Natasha Lytess taught Monroe this odd style of over acting. Marilyn would eventually fire her in 1955. After that she would loose or tone down the stilted overly dramatic poses.
Robert Mitchum does a fine, rugged job as her love interest/co-star. The blanket rubdown he gives her in a cave... is particularly memorable. Her scenes with child actor Tommy Retig tender and caring. The music is good, especially the last number which is the title of this film. Monroe delivers it in a heartfelt regretful way.
Director Otto Preminger does a fine job keeping things moving along and inserting dangerous plot lines at just the right time. Some of the stunts in the film are obviously fake such as the log raft going over a waterfall with everyone on board. One can see that a stiff mannequin with dangling arms was used as Marilyn for this scene. Other than that the film is exciting,highly recommended and enjoyable.
The film is about 2 different attitudes about life - one hard and unflinching (Mitchum) the other impulsive and lost (Monroe) there is also a young boy caught in the middle that they both love. Toss in murder, double crossings, and angry Indians. What proceeds is actually a thoughtful film with the river being symbolic of both lead characters.
Truth be told Monroe is extremely watchable in "River of No Return" With sultry half closed eyes, She holds her head high,looks down her nose, purses her lips and over enunciates every syllable her character utters. It is a sight to behold. Hence the phrase by Fox CEO Daryl Zanuk,(who called her "old straw head")"Marilyn Monroe has Flesh Impact." Flesh Impact indeed. Her German drama coach Natasha Lytess taught Monroe this odd style of over acting. Marilyn would eventually fire her in 1955. After that she would loose or tone down the stilted overly dramatic poses.
Robert Mitchum does a fine, rugged job as her love interest/co-star. The blanket rubdown he gives her in a cave... is particularly memorable. Her scenes with child actor Tommy Retig tender and caring. The music is good, especially the last number which is the title of this film. Monroe delivers it in a heartfelt regretful way.
Director Otto Preminger does a fine job keeping things moving along and inserting dangerous plot lines at just the right time. Some of the stunts in the film are obviously fake such as the log raft going over a waterfall with everyone on board. One can see that a stiff mannequin with dangling arms was used as Marilyn for this scene. Other than that the film is exciting,highly recommended and enjoyable.